Waltrip HS Band Director Named HISD Teacher Of The Month

HOUSTON, TX — Waltrip High School Band Director Jesse Espinosa was named Houston ISD Teacher of the Month during a special surprise Tuesday morning. Espinosa, who's a Waltrip alum and an Army veteran, has a determination that's led the school's band program to be recognized as one of the “Top 5” Title I music programs in the United States.

“Mr. Espinosa is so deserving of this award and I couldn’t be more than happy to recognize all his efforts on today,” Waltrip principal Dale Mitchell said. “It is his passion and commitment that pushes students beyond the band hall.”

The surprise Tuesday morning came with interim superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan making the presentation of the Sterling McCall VIP Services Teacher of the Month for April.

Espinosa’s latest efforts has also landed the Waltrip Ram Band to become a finalist for the Dr. William P. Foster Project Award of Excellence, a national award that recognizes quality programs serving historically disadvantaged student populations, who reaching a high level of excellence.

“For many of our students, teachers are the first person that make an impact and difference in the lives of the students we serve in the district,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan said. “Today is proof that this is such a fantastic way to say ‘Thank You’ to those outstanding teachers.”

From the very beginning, Espinosa has created a path of legacy at Waltrip High School filled with notable achievements and accomplishments, including an annual citywide Pre-UIL Concert Band Festival, a full day of jazz spotlighting 25 bands and concluding with a concert featuring a special guest.

If and when Mr. Espinosa decides to escape Waltrip High School’s popular band hall in the next 30 days, he will have the opportunity to enjoy a fully loaded 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, courtesy of Sterling McCall Hyundai.

“I’m honored to be recognized today, however it’s only because of the outstanding students I get to work with each day,” Espinosa said. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be receiving this honor being April’s teacher of the month.”

As part of the Teacher of the Month program, HISD Interim Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan will surprise a teacher along with a rep from Sterling McCall VIP Services. Each month, the teacher will be presented with an award, a gift basket of promotional items, a $150 gift card, and a luxury loaner vehicle.

Each of the seven HISD Area Superintendents will be responsible for selecting a teacher from their region to be honored until May 2018. Principals who would like to nominate a teacher on their campus should contact their School Support Officer of Area Superintendent directly.

Houston ISD contributed to this report.

Photos courtesy of Houston ISD